Tokyo Subway Manners Posters (1976 – 1982)

You’ve had too much to drink (October 1976)
This October 1976 poster of a drinking Santa is addressed to the drunks on the train. The text, loosely translated, reads: “I look like Santa because you’ve had too much to drink. It’s only October. If you drink, be considerate of the other passengers.”

(September 1976)

The Seat Monopolizer (July 1976)

Don’t forget your umbrella (June 1977)
This poster of the high-class courtesan Agemaki (from the kabuki play “Sukeroku”), whose captivating beauty was said to make men forgetful, is meant to remind passengers to take their umbrellas when they leave the train.

Three annoying train monsters (October 1982)
The three annoying train monsters shown in the poster are Nesshii (the sleeping monster), Asshii (the leg-crossing monster), and Shinbunshii (the newspaper-reading monster).

Space Invader (March 1979)

Isami-ashi: Wait behind the white line (May 1979)

Don’t forget your umbrella (October 1981)
The text at the top of this poster — which shows Jesus overwhelmed with umbrellas at the Last Supper — reads “Kasane-gasane no kami-danomi” (lit. “Wishing to God again and again”). The poster makes a play on the words “kasa” (umbrella) and “kasane-gasane” (again and again).

Shimatta (March 1977)

Coughing on the platform (January 1979)

Dream at home (December 1981)
This poster, which features Doraemon dressed as Santa

The Non-Thinker (May 1981)

Kappa, (August 1979)
The image of a kappa (river imp) against a backdrop of lit cigarettes serves as a reminder not to smoke on the platform during the designated non-smoking hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM). The text at the top of the poster reads “Gaman gurai wa he no kappa,” which translates loosely as “waiting is no big deal.”

Umbrellas left behind in the subway (June 1976)

I’ll stand up (July 1979)
Uesugi Teppei, a character from the popular manga “Ore wa Teppei,” offers to give up his seat to the elderly and infirm.

Do not rush onto the train (April 1979)

Clearly show your train pass (September 1978)

Humans are forgetful (February 1976). But Astro Boy is on it

When the bell chimes, it’s too late (April 1977)

No-smoking Time (November 1982)
The image of John Wayne on a mock cover of Time magazine serves as a reminder not to smoke on the platform during non-smoking hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM).

Mary is tired (December 1977). And she wants your seat

Marcel Marceau (October 1978). Don’t be a clown, give the needy a chair

Please open it (July 1977)
This poster of a melting snowman aims to encourage passengers seated near a window to let cool air in when it is hot inside.